I would have thought Mari was a fairly stiff first 17. Steep, with another one of those smooth cracky-thingys to deal with along the way (yes only about 13 but a struggle if you can't jam!).
Moby Dick, sorry I was actually tongue in check on that one. Fun though.

I reckon Oceanoid would be tough for a first lead - a couple of distinct cruxes and a slightly daunting situation on the first pitch.
I did Sue's Climb the other day (next to Pedro) and although escapable in places was surprisingly worthwhile. The climb has great gear and some nice moves in the middle section.
The first pitch of Dirge is good, you can rap down Tannin at the end too.

swinging and surface to air are great 17's
i thought moby dick was great, really good gear,
there is a climb that goes from the top of piccolo, on the left facing side of the wall d major is on. its about 17ish. lou's guide gives it a 18, selected guide gives it a 16, gear is pretty good, but kinda run out, really nice moves for a climb that doesnt get any stars.
once you get a bit more comfortable with 17, i'm a little ateroid and i'm a little dinosaur are pretty nice 18's with good gear

>there is a climb that goes from the top of piccolo, on the left facing>side of the wall d major is on. its about 17ish. lou's guide gives it a>18, selected guide gives it a 16, gear is pretty good, but kinda run out,>really nice moves for a climb that doesnt get any stars.

r u talking about stentor? i think it can be linked from the ground via decibel (15).

I would recommend Preludes, Central Gully N side. Good gear, technical, and with a steep bit at the top to raise the pulse just a little. Can be done entirely on Hexes (if you are into that sort of modern jiggery pokery).

Spellbinder is also well protected and excellent value (an can be done on hexes if...........)

>there is a climb that goes from the top of piccolo, on the left facing>side of the wall d major is on. its about 17ish. lou's guide gives it a>18, selected guide gives it a 16, gear is pretty good, but kinda run out,>really nice moves for a climb that doesnt get any stars.

Yes it is a nice climb, short but nice. There is only really one or two strenuous moves on it. Its actually a good link up in between Piccalo and Viagra!

I think the first 17 I led at Araps was "prelate" which is in the central gully at Mitre Rock. Only about 8 metres high, escapable at half height (?!), and with a really cool crux move to gain a monster jug over a little rooflet. 5minutes from the carpark. Well worth considering in my opinion.

>I think the first 17 I led at Araps was "prelate" which is in the central gully at Mitre Rock.

Been on another couple of 17s at Mitre in recent visits:

Pearly Gates. A promising start but it degenerates into the worst rock I've come across at Araps. Not recommended.

Beelzebub. Has a reasonable reputation but I didn't enjoy it. The traverse in feels like cheating but I'm not quite tall/strong enough to pull the DS. And whether you climb the top via the wide corner/crack or the thin wall crack, or both, it's just not very elegant. Well protected though.

However, back on the mainland, I can certainly recommend Thimble. OK rock, no issues with pro, morning sun, sweet.